The international NFC Forum is set to convene for a weeklong conference in Oulu in September 2009. On the agenda are issues such as NFC technology standardization, development, new business models, and innovative opportunities for utilization. City mayor Matti Pennanen extended the invitation to the Forum, which so far has been organized in large, cosmopolitan cities such as Bangkok, Athens, Tokyo and San Diego.

Securing the Forum in Oulu is the result of a tireless and long-term effort, and pays homage to the many NFC innovations developed in Oulu, and to the expertise and understanding of NFC technology that exists in the region.

The NFC Forum brings together the largest ICT firms and organisations that operate on the global markets. Delegates will be introduced to the city’s ICT and mobile technology infrastructure, bringing international attention to Oulu and the rest of Finland, as well. The Forum provides an opportunity for companies to network and conduct business with other top tech firms. The Forum will also highlight Oulu’s attractiveness for international investment.

NFC, or Near Field Communication, is an RFID identification technology that enables a variety of services in mobile phones. It is predicted that all mobile phones will include this technology in the future, enabling interactive services and revolutionizing ecosystems, including identification, ticketing and public sector services.

Oulu became the first ever member city and public sector representative of the NFC Forum in December 2007, thanks mainly to the city’s numerous and diverse NFC projects, which have since received considerable international attention.

For more information, please contact:

Janne Mustonen
Chief of Development
City of Oulu
janne.mustonen@ouka.fi
Cell +358 44 7031675

NFC Forum members:
www.nfc-forum.org/member_companies

NFC Forum:
www.nfc-forum.org


NFC Forum (The Near Field Communication Forum) was established in 2004 to advance the use, development and standardization of Near Field Communication, and to create new business models pertaining to the field. The Forum has now more than 140 members, mainly global ICT corporations, mobile phone and tag manufacturers, application developers, credit and banking institutions and service providers. Members of the NFC Forum operate at the forefront of NFC technology. The Forum offers small and middle-sized businesses opportunities to connect with larger corporations.